Shreesha Total Spine Care & Diabetology Center, Ahmednagar. We specialize in diagnosing and treating various types of Spinal Infections
What is a Spinal Infection?
Spinal infections can be bacterial or fungal infection in other parts of the body that has been carried into the spine through the bloodstream. The most common cause of spinal infections are bacterial infection caused by bacteria like staphylococcus aureus, followed by Escherichia coli.
High risk population are patients on Haemodialysis, Renal failure, Diabetes, Drug abuse ,Immunosuppression caused by alcohol, chronic steroid use, cancer.Prior invasive procedures, and elderly with no other risk factors
Spinal Infection if not treated in time can lead to paralysis or even fatality.
Signs of spine infection
Signs of spine infection include back pain, fever and a stiff back as well as possible swelling or inflammation of the spine, sensory deficit or numb, motor weakness or paralysis.
Types of spinal infections include:
- Vertebral osteomyelitis: These infections most often occur in the lumbar spine. Symptoms are pain in the arm or leg, fever, weight loss, muscle spasms and problems with walking or using your hands.
- Discitis: This uncommon infection can occur on its own or after surgery. Symptoms include pain with spine movement, radiating pain in various body regions, and fevers and chills.
- Spinal epidural abscess: Most commonly found in the lumbar region, these infections can cause weakness, skin boils, back pain, arm or leg pain, spine tenderness, and bowel, bladder and abdominal issues.
- Spinal subdural empyema: This infection is very rare and usually stems from an infection in another area. It can cause a fever and arm or leg pain.
- Meningitis: Causing swelling in the tissues around the brain and spine, this infection can spread rapidly and can cause severe complications, if not treated properly.
- Spinal cord abscess: This infection is caused internally in the spine and is very rare. It can cause fever, back pain and a decline in spine function.